Hi, my name is Katie and I'm a professionally trained guitarist with a BFA degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Michigan. I have extensive experience in theater-- I played guitar for The Fischer Center at Bard's 2022 production of Dom Juan; rock and pop-- I spent two years playing in 80s casino cover band The High Rollers in Austin, TX; and I have been playing, singing, and performing jazz, folk, and world music as a soloist and in bands for fifteen years. I have performed and recorded with Marc Ribot (Tom Waits), Ches Smith (Xiu Xiu), Woody Goss (Vulfpeck), Matt Nelson (tUnE-yArDs), Jason Burger (Big Thief), and more. I highly prioritize dressing professionally for every event.
Be the first to review Katharine Battistoni
Price Range: $200 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 480 minutes
Languages: English, French
I attended the University of Michigan, one of the world's top programs for jazz, so I am a thoroughly trained professional guitarist. I was, however, the first woman ever to graduate from that fifty-year-old program, and I was the only student at the time who knew the words to standards and sang them regularly in classes. All this to say-- there are a lot of professional musicians in New York City. How do you know the right one for you? If you appreciate a deep musical spirit and a love for beauty and originality in both instrumental and vocal fields; and if you enjoy a performer with a pleasant personality and an impeccable ability to read and entertain a room-- I'm the gal for you. That's what you can expect: a true sense of professionalism and etiquette, an enormous repertoire, a wide range of musical expertise, and a talent for providing the exact emotional context needed for your event. That's what music is for, after all, isn't it? Looking forward to meeting you and playing.
I'm a professionally trained jazz, rock, and blues guitarist who has studied with Miles Okazaki and Marc Ribot. I have performed in big band, small combo, rock, fusion, country, mega-pop with tracks, and solo formats. I have played at weddings, casinos, theaters, jazz clubs, restaurants, wine bars, funerals, garden parties, brunches, and all sorts of receptions and private events. I have two years' professional experience as a rock guitarist in casino band The High Rollers, during which I played the hits of 80s glam rock and soul. I have over fifteen years experience playing solo jazz and folk gigs. I played solo and with blues bands on Sixth Street in Austin for five years. I have performed on bass and guitar in country bands all over New York. I have sung jazz, folk, country, and blues for a decade. I bring my entire heart and soul into every musical endeavor to make the most of the experience for everyone present. I love connecting with people.
All I need to perform as a solo guitarist/vocalist is my guitar, a guitar amplifier, a P.A., a microphone, and a mic stand. And a spotlight. Just kidding.
Solo:
The Way You Look Tonight
Have You Met Miss Jones
Body and Soul
Harvest Moon
I Say a Little Prayer
Sunny Side of the Street
Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You
Buckets of Rain
You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio
Something (The Beatles)
Here Comes the Sun
Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You
Heart of Gold
At Last
Autumn Leaves
There Will Never Be Another You
The Book of Love
My One and Only Love
Unforgettable
Moon River
Always (Jazz Standard)
All I Want
River (Joni Mitchell)
Tears in Heaven
High and Dry (Radiohead)
Little Wing
The Wind Cries Mary
I'll Be Your Mirror
Pale Blue Eyes (Lou Reed)
I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
After You've Gone
Mississippi Blues
Another Night to Cry
I Can't Quit You Baby
Michelle (Beatles)
You're A Big Girl Now (Dylan)
Video Games (Lana Del Rey)
Summertime (Gershwin)
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
I Can't Get Started
Just Friends
Look at Me (Lennon)
Jealous Guy
Oh My Love
Backs Turned Looking Down the Path (Warren Zevon)
Thinkin Bout You (Frank Ocean)
Band:
Sweet Child O' Mine
Faith (George Michael)
You Shook Me All Night Long
Let's Go Crazy
Don't Stop Believin'
Stairway to Heaven
Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin)
Kiss (Prince)
22 (Taylor Swift)
Love Story
Lover
Blank Space
Help Me (Joni Mitchell)
The Race is On (George Jones)
Hoping That You're Hoping (Louvin Brothers)
Modern Love (David Bowie)
Birdland (Weather Report)
One Channel Suite (Buddy Rich)
We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions
Somebody to Love (Queen)
Bohemian Rhapsody
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Smooth (Santana)
Cupid Shuffle
No Diggity
Let Me Blow Ya Mind
The Weight (The Band)
Up on Cripple Creek
From Me to You (The Beatles)
Don't Let Me Down (The Beatles)
Wuthering Heights (Kate Bush)
Running Up That Hill
Love On Top (Beyonce)
Crazy In Love
Valerie
I Can't Help Falling In Love With You
This Will Be Our Year (Zombies)
Shout! (Isley Brothers)
Wagon Wheel
I Feel Good (James Brown)
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
September (Earth, Wind and Fire)
Love Shack
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Livin' On A Prayer
Jessie's Girl
Shut Up and Dance (Walk the Moon)
Uptown Funk
Yeah (Usher)
We Found Love (Rihanna)
more to come ... just ask! (most songs in jazz/folk/blues/rock/pop/country)
Johnny Smith
Grant Green
Wes Montgomery
Jimi Hendrix
Joni Mitchell
Charlie Christian
Sarah Vaughan
Joe Pass
Billie Holiday
The Beatles
Thelonious Monk
Norah Jones
Prince
Brooklyn, NY 
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